This was a really emotional read which was however not overwhelmingly so. The prejudices of narrow minded people (existing even today!) lead to so much sorrow and heartache and for our Cussy who just wanted to live a normal life was made just so much harder.
Cussy is a woman who is blue skinned. I had not heard of this condition and had to look it up. In an era of prejudice Cussy was an aberration and one who was ostracized from society as on a level with the African Americans and had to be treated accordingly with segregation and downright dislike.
Part of Roosevelt's Pack Horse Librarian services, serving distant communities and bringing reading and a modicum of education to others Cussy and those of her ilk did yeoman service in the face of prejudice and natural hardships covering long distances through remote, isolated areas.
Cussy was one of a few people who were blue skinned and despite that she was a happy soul who was satisfied that she was of some use to a community and also independent financially . That she was thwarted by the people surrounding her both in her workplace who were downright wicked and those in the community did not dull her spirit or her kind heartedness to others.
An interesting take on a part of American history and culture, also unknown to me until now.
Sent to me by Netgalley for an unbiased review, courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark.
It's a shame that people who are different are still treated poorly, isn't it? I've never heard of blue skinned people either. I'm going to look that up now.
ReplyDeleteUnknown to me as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting, after reading your review I was off to google the condition and learn some more.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! One of my favorites this year.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a sad one to me.
ReplyDeleteAdding this to my wishlist!
ReplyDelete